As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to bring out the best of festive baking. One recipe that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas is the Christmas Cranberry Loaf. This delightful bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warmth of holiday spices, creating a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat during the festive season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a seasonal treat, this cranberry loaf is sure to impress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking this delicious Christmas Cranberry Loaf.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cranberries
If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. For frozen cranberries, ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained. Gently fold the cranberries in a small bowl with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, if using.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in the Cranberries
Gently fold the cranberries and nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
8. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Loaf
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen ones work well too. Just make sure they are well-drained and thawed.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Storage: The cranberry loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Christmas Cranberry Loaf is more than just a festive treat; it’s a versatile addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The combination of tart cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of orange makes it a standout choice for holiday breakfasts or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Plus, the loaf is easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Christmas Cranberry Loaf
Serving Tips
- Warm or Room Temperature: This cranberry loaf is delightful whether served warm or at room temperature. For a cozy treat, lightly toast slices or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
- Pair with Spreads: Enhance the flavors of your cranberry loaf by serving it with a variety of spreads. Cream cheese, butter, or even a dollop of whipped honey or orange marmalade complement the tart cranberries beautifully.
- Holiday Brunch: Add a festive touch to your holiday brunch by serving slices of cranberry loaf alongside a selection of cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruit. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Dessert Option: Transform the loaf into a holiday dessert by serving it with a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Gifts: Wrap slices of the cranberry loaf in decorative parchment paper or place them in a festive tin to give as a homemade gift. It’s a thoughtful present that’s perfect for sharing the joy of the season.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cranberry loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the loaf fresh and prevents it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store it for a longer period, keep the loaf in the refrigerator. Wrapped properly, it can stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the cranberry loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Slicing Before Freezing: If you prefer, slice the loaf before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and enjoy just a few slices at a time, without having to defrost the entire loaf.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Christmas Cranberry Loaf remains delicious and festive throughout the holiday season. Enjoy every slice and make the most of this seasonal treat!
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries as a substitute for fresh cranberries. If you choose to use dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay moist and distribute more evenly throughout the loaf.
2. How can I make my cranberry loaf gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Christmas Cranberry Loaf, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps mimic the structure of gluten. Also, check the labels on other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
3. Can I add other fruits or nuts to the loaf?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cranberry loaf by adding other fruits like chopped apples or pears, or nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you add a significant amount of extra ingredients, and gently fold them into the batter to avoid overmixing.
4. How do I know when the cranberry loaf is fully baked?
To check if the cranberry loaf is fully baked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the loaf is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.